From an economical and ecological perspective, buying second-hand cars is very beneficial. It drives the alternative circulation of vehicles and supports local car services. No wonder that the popularity of second-hand solutions is not decreasing -- on the contrary, more and more people are choosing this path for various reasons. Some are just determined to save some money, while others want to be more eco-friendly.

Regardless of the cause, it’s worth making sure that the purchase is the right decision. In the end, buying second-hand is always riskier, but there are some ways to avoid the wrong choices.

Should you invest in a second-hand vehicle? 

It all depends on the choice you make. However, in general, buying a second-hand car can provide you with more benefits than investing in a brand new one. It’s worth taking into consideration that the moment the new vehicle drives out of the dealership, it starts losing value at a fast pace. Just five years after, it’ll already be worth only half of its initial price. That’s why buying second-hand may be a better investment in the longer run.

What should you verify before purchasing a second-hand vehicle?

When choosing a second-hand vehicle, pay attention to the:

• vehicle’s class
• mileage
• maximum velocity
• the effectiveness of the engine
• the type of fuel
• the gearbox type
• AC, audio system
• the spaciousness
• the size of the trunk

Analyze all the elements, determining your priorities. For some, comfort is the most important, while others put efficiency first. Take the cost of repairs into account. For example, diesel engines consume less fuel, but their repair can cost a lot. The same goes for the automatic gearbox. Put the pros and cons together to select a solution that works the best for you.

2 steps to take before purchasing

#1 Check vehicle details

That’s an essential step if you want to provide yourself with all the necessary information about the car. You only need a VIN number to perform a free car check and get access to the vehicle info. Through the online tool, you can carry out a mileage check, see some archive photos, and verify the car’s origin. If it’s present in the register of stolen vehicles, you’ll be informed about it right away.

#2 Take the car to the technical inspection

Making the car look impeccable is neither difficult nor costly for the dealer. Nevertheless, the defects may still be there. The best is to schedule the technical inspection with the presence of the seller to facilitate the possible negotiations of the price.